Navigating air travel can sometimes feel like a puzzle, especially when your plans shift last-minute. But what if you could hop on an earlier flight without breaking the bank? With Southwest Airlines, flying standby is often a viable and free option, offering a fantastic way to maximize your travel time. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you're well-equipped to go standby on your next Southwest journey.
Understanding Southwest's Standby Policy: Same-Day Standby vs. Same-Day Change
Before we dive into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand the nuances of Southwest's policy. Southwest offers two main options for modifying your travel on the day of your flight: Same-Day Standby and Same-Day Change. While both aim to get you on a different flight, their mechanisms and implications differ:
Same-Day Standby: This is what most people refer to when they say "flying standby." It means you're requesting to be added to a waitlist for an earlier flight departing on the same calendar day, between the same origin and destination airports as your original flight. The key here is that you retain your original confirmed flight until you are officially cleared onto the standby flight. If you don't get a seat on the earlier flight, you simply fly on your original itinerary. There are no airline charges for same-day standby. However, government taxes and fees associated with itinerary changes may apply, though refunds are provided.
Same-Day Change: This option allows you to confirm a seat on another flight departing on the same calendar day, between the same origin and destination airports. Unlike standby, a same-day change cancels your original flight as soon as the new one is confirmed. As of May 28, 2025, same-day changes are free of airline charges for Business Select, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away Plus fares. For Wanna Get Away fares, a fare difference may apply. Basic fares are generally not eligible for free same-day changes and would require an upgrade to a higher fare type first.
Key Difference: With standby, you're hoping for an open seat. With a same-day change, you're confirming one. This guide focuses specifically on the Same-Day Standby process.
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| How To Go Standby On Southwest Airlines |
Your Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide to Going Standby on Southwest Airlines
Are you ready to potentially get to your destination sooner? Let's get started!
Step 1: Engage and Assess - Is Standby Even an Option for You?
Alright, let's kick things off! Before you even think about heading to the airport, the very first thing you need to do is determine if flying standby is a feasible option for your specific situation. Not all fares or passenger types are eligible.
Check Your Fare Type:
Wanna Get Away®, Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, and Business Select® fares generally qualify for same-day standby. This is great news for most Southwest flyers!
Basic fares typically do not qualify for same-day standby unless you are a Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred Member. If you have a Basic fare and are not an A-List member, you'll need to consider upgrading your fare to a Wanna Get Away Plus or higher to be eligible for same-day changes, and then potentially attempt standby from there.
Rapid Rewards A-List & A-List Preferred Members: If you hold A-List or A-List Preferred status, you have a significant advantage! You are eligible for same-day standby even if you purchased a Basic fare. Your priority on the standby list is also higher.
Travel Restrictions:
Group bookings and Unaccompanied Minors are not eligible for same-day standby.
Customers traveling on partner itineraries (flights not operated by Southwest) are also not eligible.
Your standby request must be for a flight departing on the same calendar day and between the same origin and destination airports as your original flight. You cannot change your origin or destination.
Timing is Key: You must request to be added to the same-day standby list at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your original flight if you are speaking to an agent. If you are using the Southwest app or mobile web, you must list your name at least 30 minutes ahead of the desired flight's scheduled departure. Missing these deadlines can result in your original flight being subject to the no-show policy.
So, take a moment. Check your fare, consider your status, and confirm your flight details. If you meet these initial criteria, you're good to proceed!
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
Step 2: Information Gathering - Scouting for Opportunities
Once you've confirmed your eligibility, it's time to start looking for potential earlier flights. Being proactive here can significantly increase your chances of success.
Sub-heading: Utilize the Southwest Mobile App/Website:
The Southwest mobile app and website are your best friends for this step. They offer real-time flight status information.
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account or simply enter your confirmation number.
Navigate to "View/Manage" your itinerary.
Look for an option like "Same-Day Standby" or "Change Flight." Even if you intend to go standby, looking at "Change Flight" can sometimes give you a sense of available seats on earlier flights.
Scan for earlier flights between your origin and destination. Pay attention to flights that show "Available" or "Few Seats Left." Flights that appear "Sold Out" online still might have standby opportunities due to last-minute cancellations or no-shows, but your chances are lower.
Important Note for the App/Mobile Web: If you plan to use the app to list for standby, you'll typically find the option under your flight details. Remember the 30-minute pre-departure cutoff.
Sub-heading: Consider Off-Peak Times:
Your chances of getting on a standby flight significantly increase during non-peak travel times. Early morning flights (before 7:00 AM) and late-night flights (after 10:00 PM) often have more open seats as fewer people are willing to travel at these hours.
Avoid trying to fly standby during major holidays, school breaks, or large events in your destination city, as flights will likely be packed.
Mid-week travel (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) also tends to be less busy than Mondays, Fridays, or weekends.
Step 3: At the Airport - Making Your Standby Request Official
This is where the rubber meets the road. Being at the airport and interacting with Southwest personnel is often the most effective way to go standby, especially if the app isn't showing immediate options or if you have checked bags.
Sub-heading: Head to the Full-Service Ticket Counter (Especially with Checked Bags):
If you have checked luggage, this is your first stop. Go directly to a Southwest full-service check-in desk, not a self-service kiosk.
Inform the agent that you have a confirmed flight and would like to be added to the same-day standby list for an earlier flight to your destination.
They will check availability on earlier flights and can provide insight into the likelihood of you getting a seat.
If you decide to proceed, the agent will add you to the standby list.
Crucial Point Regarding Luggage: When you go standby after checking a bag, you are voluntarily separating from your baggage. If you are cleared for the earlier flight and your bag doesn't make it with you, Southwest is generally not responsible for delivery charges to get it to you. Always confirm with the agent how your luggage will be handled if you don't make the standby flight. Your bag might fly on the standby flight even if you don't, and you'll need to coordinate with the baggage claim at your destination.
The agent may issue you a temporary paper ticket that indicates "standby." This is NOT a boarding pass.
Sub-heading: Proceed to the Departure Gate:
Whether you have checked bags or not, your next stop is the departure gate for the earlier flight you wish to take.
Identify yourself to the gate agent and let them know you are on the standby list for that flight. This confirms your presence and shows your eagerness.
They will usually instruct you on when to check back for updates or when they will begin clearing standby passengers. Do not constantly pester the agent; they have a lot to manage.
Sub-heading: Using the Southwest App/Mobile Web for Standby (If No Checked Bags):
If you're traveling with carry-on bags only, you can attempt to add yourself to the standby list directly via the Southwest app or mobile web.
Open your itinerary and look for the "Same-Day Standby" option. Select the earlier flight you'd like to try for.
Remember the 30-minute pre-departure window for using the app. If it's less than 30 minutes, you'll need to speak with a gate agent.
Step 4: The Waiting Game - At the Gate
Now comes the patience part. The gate area is where the magic (or non-magic) happens.
Sub-heading: Monitor the Standby List:
If you have the Southwest mobile app, you can often view the standby list directly on your phone. This allows you to see your position and how many people are ahead of you. This is incredibly useful for managing expectations.
Sub-heading: Listen for Announcements:
As boarding progresses for the desired flight, the gate agent will begin to assess available seats.
Typically, about 10 minutes before boarding ends, or once all confirmed passengers have boarded, the gate agent will start calling standby passengers.
They might call names individually, or make a general announcement for those on the standby list.
Stay close to the gate area and listen attentively. Don't wander off!
Sub-heading: Clearing Standby:
If a seat becomes available for you, the gate agent will call your name.
You will be issued a new boarding pass. You cannot board with your temporary paper standby ticket.
This new boarding pass will have your seat assignment (Southwest's open seating means you'll pick from available seats) and your new boarding group. Your original boarding position is not guaranteed.
If you receive a new boarding pass, congratulations! You've successfully gone standby.
Southwest also typically sends a text or email notification (based on your contact preferences) if you are cleared. This message will often include a link to retrieve your new boarding pass.
Step 5: If Standby Doesn't Work - What Happens Next?
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
It's important to have a backup plan, as standby is never guaranteed.
Sub-heading: Return to Your Original Flight:
If you are not cleared for the standby flight, you will simply retain your confirmed seat on your originally scheduled flight.
There's no penalty or forfeiture of your original ticket value for attempting standby.
Head back to the gate for your original flight and board as planned.
Sub-heading: Re-evaluate Options:
If your travel plans are extremely flexible, you could potentially try for a later standby flight on the same day if one becomes available, though your chances might decrease as the day progresses and flights fill up.
Alternatively, you might consider a same-day change to a different flight, though this could incur a fare difference depending on your original fare type.
Important Considerations and Tips for Standby Success
Be Polite and Patient: Gate agents are dealing with a lot. A friendly and patient demeanor can go a long way.
Dress Appropriately: While not a strict rule, appearing put-together can sometimes (subconsciously) help in close calls, though availability is the primary factor.
Travel Light (If Possible): Traveling with only a carry-on eliminates the checked baggage complication, making the standby process smoother.
Understand Standby Priority: Southwest's standby list priority generally follows:
Customers re-accommodated due to flight disruptions (e.g., cancellations, significant delays).
A-List Preferred and A-List Rapid Rewards Members (prioritized by fare type: Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus, Basic).
All other Customers (prioritized by fare type in the same order).
Government Taxes and Fees: While Southwest doesn't charge an airline fee for same-day standby, you may be required to pay any government taxes and fees associated with the itinerary change. However, these are generally refunded if you are cleared and fly on the new itinerary.
Original Boarding Position Not Guaranteed: Even if you get on the standby flight, you will receive a new boarding position, which may not be as good as your original one.
International Flights: Same-day standby may have additional restrictions or may not be available for international itineraries. It's best to confirm with a Southwest agent for international travel.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my standby status on Southwest?
You can typically check your standby status directly through the Southwest Airlines mobile app under your itinerary details, or by speaking with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport gate.
How to get on the standby list for a flight later than my original?
Southwest's official same-day standby policy is primarily for earlier flights. If you wish to travel on a later flight, you would typically need to perform a same-day change, which may involve a fare difference depending on your original ticket type.
QuickTip: Note key words you want to remember.
How to know if a Southwest flight has open seats for standby?
While you can check for "Available" or "Few Seats Left" on the Southwest app or website, the most accurate way to know about standby availability is to speak directly with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport, either at the ticket counter or the gate of the desired flight.
How to use Rapid Rewards points for standby on Southwest?
Rapid Rewards points are used to book your original flight. Once you have a confirmed ticket (booked with points or cash), you are eligible for same-day standby based on your fare type and Rapid Rewards elite status, just like a cash-paying customer.
How to get a better chance of flying standby on Southwest?
Increase your chances by choosing less busy travel times (early mornings, late nights, mid-week), having a flexible schedule, being polite and ready at the gate, and ideally, having Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred status.
How to handle checked bags when going standby on Southwest?
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
If you have checked bags, you must initiate your standby request with a Southwest agent at the full-service ticket counter. Be aware that your bag may fly on the earlier flight even if you don't, and Southwest is generally not responsible for delivery costs if your bag arrives before you.
How to cancel my original flight if I clear standby on Southwest?
You don't need to manually cancel your original flight. When you are officially cleared for the standby flight and issued a new boarding pass, your original reservation is automatically released.
How to know if my fare type qualifies for standby on Southwest?
Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares generally qualify. Basic fares only qualify if you are a Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred Member. Always confirm on Southwest.com or with an agent.
How to add myself to the standby list using the Southwest app?
Within the Southwest app, navigate to your "View/Manage" itinerary, and look for a "Same-Day Standby" option. Select the desired earlier flight. Remember you must do this at least 30 minutes before the flight's scheduled departure.
How to deal with missed connections when trying to go standby on Southwest?
If you miss a connection due to a Southwest operational issue, Southwest will typically re-accommodate you on the next available flight, and you will have priority on any standby list. If you miss a connection due to your own delay and try to go standby for a subsequent flight, you would follow the standard standby procedures, and your original segment might be subject to the no-show policy if you don't make the initial flight.
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